Southern Field Days Innovation Awards back proven winners

Grant Lightfoot won the award for his Kiwi Econet innovation – a jute-based baleage wrap which is both biodegradable and edible by stock. While it does not replace the outer plastic wrap it does replace the inner netting.

Lightfoot says it means the bales do not have to be fully unwrapped because what the stock do not eat just rots safely into the ground. By contrast, he says “you can’t do anything” with conventional plastic netting except burning or burying it.

The Southland deer farmer told Rural News that winning the award in 2024 was “a game changer”.

“My phone just went viral.”

The product is made to his specifications at a factory in India and is now sold around the world.

Organising the Innovation Awards for the tenth time since 2006 is Lisa Anderson – who originally became involved when asked as the then Otago Southland Regional Young Farmers Chairperson to gather members to help put tents back up after strong winds tore through the site in 2004.

“Innovations have gone from a few knick knacks down the back fence to its prime position alongside the Agricentre, with exposure being the main aim for participants,” she says.

Anderson said that as in past years, there will be an Open Section, aimed at businesses with already commercialised or marketed ideas, and a Number 8 Wire Section which is more aimed at farmers with “a handy idea” that other people can get ideas from.

Then there’s the Primary School section which is always popular, although a few weeks out from the event Anderson was unsure of entry numbers.

“It’s always tricky timing because school hasn’t gone back yet to actually be able to contact people. But normally Limehills School has got quite a few entries and for that one we will just have to wait and see.”

The prizes are $500 for first place and $200 for second in each of the Open and Number 8 sections.

For the Primary School section, first prize is $50 with another $50 to the school providing the most entries.

“There is the prize money, but that’s not really what it’s all about. It’s exposure, so people get to see what ideas there are,” says Anderson.

Entries this year so far include Spot Feeder, a grain and nut trailer designed to drop feed in precise spots: a Tow and Fert sprayer that mixes compost and water; Nature Point, which partners with farmers to develop regenerative land use projects: Strainrite fencing’s Mini Reel; and the Sterineedle device which sterilises vaccination needles between animals. The Sterineedle, invented by then schoolgirl Jade Luxton, was highly commended at the 2022 National Field Days and she has continued developing it since then.

Southern Field Days

When: 11th - 13th February 2026

Where: Waimumu (2kms from Gore)

Time: 9am - 5pm each day

Tickets:

• Adults - $25
• Children Under 16 - Free
• Students (With Student ID) - Free